November 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Jennifer Ibarra-Reyes of Garland County
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to recognize Jennifer Ibarra-Reyes of Garland County as the Volunteer of the Month. A single parent, former scholarship recipient, and passionate advocate for education, Jennifer’s story is a shining example of resilience, service, and the power of giving back.
Jennifer began volunteering with ASPSF in 2023 to give back to the program that once supported her.
“I love helping others, and I wanted to give back to the program that once helped me,” she said.
Jennifer first learned about ASPSF in 2019, during her time at National Park College. At the time, she was a single mother determined to create a better life for her children.
“As parents, we think about ways to provide for our children. We constantly worry about making them proud,” Jennifer said. “One day, I asked myself, ‘Am I really doing all that I can for my children?’ The answer was no. So, I decided it was time to go back to school to get a degree for a career — not just a job.”
Searching for ways to afford college, she came across ASPSF while researching scholarships for single parents.
“I knew school was expensive, and I would need help financially,” she said. “I was so excited when I received the email that I was chosen for this wonderful scholarship.”
With ASPSF’s help, Jennifer was able to cover the cost of books and supplies, and that support kept her motivated.
“Every semester I pushed myself to make good grades and to succeed,” she said. “Every semester, I applied for this scholarship. I was like a bad habit they couldn’t get rid of.”
From that moment, Jennifer made the most of every opportunity that came her way. She earned her Associate of Arts in criminal justice in 2021 with a 3.9 GPA. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2023 with a 3.75 GPA. Along the way, she also earned credentials in medical billing and coding and became a certified phlebotomist. Now, she’s working toward her pharmacy technician license. She’s a true lifelong learner.
“Talk about a lot of nights of homework, studying, crying, and, to be honest, probably screaming,” she said. “But it was well worth every second of it.”
Now, as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) case manager at the American Indian Center of Arkansas, Jennifer helps others find their own career paths.
“I work with individuals to help them find their dream careers or the education they deserve,” she said. “I know what it’s like to think you can’t make it, but I promise you that you can. Just keep pushing and keep believing in yourself.”
Over the years, Jennifer has participated in and volunteered at several ASPSF events, including the Single Parent Style Show fundraiser in Hot Springs, the statewide luncheon in Little Rock, and graduation ceremonies. This year, she also helped by interviewing new applicants, supporting other single parents just starting their academic journeys.
Her favorite volunteer memory was hosting a graduation ceremony alongside two fellow volunteers and recipients.
“We were the guest speakers and the hosts,” she said. “We had such a great time planning, organizing, and celebrating everyone’s accomplishments.”
Volunteering with ASPSF means a great deal to Jennifer because she’s walked the same path as the parents she now helps.
“I know firsthand what it’s like to be a single parent balancing school, work, and raising a child,” she said. “It’s rewarding to support others who are walking that same path and remind them that their hard work truly pays off.”
Jennifer’s journey — from single parent and scholarship recipient to college graduate and volunteer — embodies the heart of ASPSF’s mission: empowering single parents to achieve their goals through education and community support.
Join Jennifer and become an ASPSF volunteer at aspsf.org/getinvolved.
